Chicken mortadella is one of the easiest and healthiest deli meats you can prepare at home. With just two main ingredients and a few simple spices, you can create a clean, flavorful, and preservative-free alternative to store-bought lunch meats. It is perfect for sandwiches, salads, meal prep, kids’ lunchboxes, and high-protein snacks.
What makes this homemade version special is its soft texture, rich flavor, and the beautiful spice coating that gives it a professional look.
⭐ Why You’ll Love This Chicken Mortadella
- Only 2 main ingredients
- Fast, healthy, and beginner-friendly
- No preservatives or artificial colors
- High in protein and budget-friendly
- Perfect for weekly meal prep
- Easy to customize with olives, cheese, or chili
📝 Ingredients For Chicken Mortadella
Main Ingredients
- 500 g chicken breast
- ½ cup cornstarch (50 g)
- ½ cup water (100 ml)
Seasonings (mixed inside)
- Salt
- Garlic powder
- Black pepper
- Ginger
- Thyme
Optional Add-Ins
You can customize your mortadella with:
- Chopped hot chili for a spicy version
- Green olives to create beautiful olive circles when sliced
- Small cubes of your favorite cheese for a richer taste
Outer Spice Coating
- Smoked paprika
- Thyme
- Chili powder (optional)
⏱️ Time Schedule
| Step | Time Required |
|---|---|
| Blending the mixture | 5 minutes |
| Shaping and wrapping | 5–10 minutes |
| Cooking (boiling) | 45–60 minutes |
| Cooking (steaming) | 60 minutes |
| Cooling at room temperature | 20–30 minutes |
| Refrigeration | 2–4 hours |
| Total active time | 10–15 minutes |
| Total recipe time | 3–5 hours |
🍽️ How to Make Chicken Mortadella
1. Blend the Chicken Mixture
Place the chicken breast, cornstarch, water, and all inner seasonings in a blender or food processor.
Blend until the mixture becomes smooth and creamy.
Fold in the chili, olives, or cheese if you choose to add them.
2. Prepare the Spice Layer
Lay a sheet of plastic wrap on your counter.
Sprinkle the outer spices (paprika, thyme, chili powder) in the center to form a thin layer.
3. Shape the Mortadella
Spoon the chicken mixture directly over the spices.
Spread it gently to help the spices stick.
Roll the plastic wrap tightly to form a smooth cylinder.
Twist both ends securely.
Wrap the cylinder again in aluminum foil to make it fully sealed.
4. Cook the Mortadella
Option 1: Boiling (Recommended)
Place the wrapped cylinder in boiling water.
Cook for 45–60 minutes over medium heat.
Option 2: Steaming
Place it in a steamer or over a pot of boiling water.
Steam for 60 minutes.
5. Chill and Slice
Allow the mortadella to cool completely.
Refrigerate for 2–4 hours until firm.
Slice and enjoy!
🥪 Serving Ideas For Chicken Mortadella
You can use Chicken Mortadella in many delicious ways. It works perfectly in sandwiches and wraps, adding a soft, flavorful protein layer to any quick meal.
You can also chop it and add it to your salads for extra taste and a higher protein boost. It pairs wonderfully with cheeses, making it a great addition to cheese boards or appetizer plates.
For a quick bite, it also makes excellent high-protein snacks when sliced on its own or with crackers.
Additionally, Chicken Mortadella can be added to omelets, pasta, and even pizza as a tasty topping that melts beautifully and adds richness to your dish.
Storage – How to Store Chicken Mortadella Properly
To keep your Chicken Mortadella fresh and safe to eat, make sure you store it correctly:
Refrigerator:
Wrap the mortadella tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container to prevent it from drying out. Store it in the coldest part of the fridge. When stored properly, it stays fresh for up to 5 days.
Freezer:
For longer storage, wrap it well in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil, or place it in a freezer-safe bag to protect it from freezer burn. Frozen Chicken Mortadella keeps its quality for up to 2 months.
When you’re ready to use it, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight. Avoid thawing at room temperature to keep it safe. Do not refreeze once thawed.
✔️ Final Thoughts
This healthy homemade chicken mortadella proves that you don’t need complicated ingredients to make delicious deli meat. With only two main ingredients and a few flavorful add-ins, you can create a beautiful, customizable mortadella that tastes just like the store-bought version—without preservatives.